BRUSSELS (PPI) - European Apparel and Textile Confederation (Euratex) has opposed changes to the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) proposed by the European Union EU Commission to grant duty free access to Pakistan. Euratex believes the changes will increase the vulnerability threshold of the GSP+ from 1% to 2%, which will have a severe impact on the EU textile and clothing industry. "This increase in the vulnerability threshold of GSP+ was tailor made in order to include Pakistan among the beneficiary countries," said Euratex president, Alberto Paccanelli. "If this proposal is approved Pakistan will be allowed to export to the EU without paying any duty." Euratex argues that this is not the first time the EU has decided to grant duty free access to Pakistan, with a change in the vulnerability threshold of GSP+ already under consideration last year and a waiver proposal pending at the WTO. "Pakistan is among the top world exporters in T&C and the 4th EU supplier," said Paccanelli. In 2010, its exports to the EU have increased by more than 20% in value and 6% in volume. For some products Pakistan has already a dominant position - bed linen and cotton fabrics. This decision, apart from having a negative impact on EU industry, will erode the preferences of the countries in need in favour of a stronger and already prevailing market player. "Euratex recognises that overall the Commission proposal makes an effort to concentrate the preferences in the countries that need them. Unfortunately in our sector this effort was precluded for political reasons as we choose to benefit a country which does not need any special treatment," said Paccanelli. Euratex hopes the negative impact can be offset through a reduction in the vulnerability threshold and an improvement in the existing textile safeguard clause.